Thank you for choosing Wisconsin Youth Company Summer Day Camp!
Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the camper.
Please carefully review all tabs on this webpage prior to your camper’s first day of camp.
Location | Franklin Elementary | 305 W Lakeside St., Madison
Camp Cell Phone | 608-445-8028
Camp Hours | Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Drop-off takes place between 7:30-9 a.m.
- Pick-up takes place Monday-Thursday between 4-5:30 p.m. and Friday between 4-4:30 p.m.
- Please note, there is no camp Thursday, July 4 or Friday, July 5.
- Camp ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 16.
Meet the Staff
- Camp Director | Taylor
- Assistant Camp Director | Bee
- Counselors | Mai, Siri, Ajara
All staff have education and/or experience related to working with children. They receive training prior to the start of the camp season and are certified in first aid and CPR.
Dropping Off Your Camper
Where to Park | Parking is available along Lakeside Street in front of Franklin Elementary and other side streets in the area. Enter through Door #2.
Drop-off Procedure | After entering the school building, walk through the doors and continue down the hallway. Camp staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-in process. If you would like your camper to arrive independently by walking or biking, please contact the administrative office to authorize Independent Arrival.
Medications, Sunscreen, and Insect Repellent | If your camper has medications, sunscreen or insect repellent, please bring these on the first day of their attendance. All items should be labelled with first and last name. Wisconsin Youth Company does provide sunscreen and insect repellent. Campers are not required to bring their own.
What to Bring to Camp
Please only send your camper with the following items. All items should be labeled with your camper’s first and last name:
- Sack lunch (nut-free) that does not need to be refrigerated or microwaved
- Gym shoes or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops)
- Water bottle labeled with child’s first and last name
- Extra set of clothing, as needed
Please do not send your camper with any unnecessary items. Toys from home will not be permitted. Wisconsin Youth Company is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, including clothing.
Picking Up Your Camper
When to Pick-up | Campers should be picked up during the designated pick-up timeframe: Monday-Thursday 4-5:30 p.m. and Friday 4-4:30 p.m. If you need to pick up your camper early, please coordinate that directly with the camp director in advance.
Pick-up Procedure | After entering the school building, walk through the doors and continue down the hallway until you come to the gymnasium (main camp area) on your right. Camp staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-out process. Camp staff will check your ID or confirm your identity before releasing your camper to you. Because of the amount of children and families we work with over the summer months, there is a chance that you may be asked more than once. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Independent Departure | If you would like your camper to walk home independently or meet you at your vehicle, please contact the administrative office to authorize Independent Departure. Campers cannot meet you at your vehicle unless they have prior authorization.
Authorized Pick-up Person | Only authorized pick-up people can pick up your camper. If you would like to add an additional authorized pick-up person, please email info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. All authorized pick-up people are encouraged to have a photo ID on them. With the safety of campers in mind, staff will check IDs if they have not met a pick-up person or do not recognize a pick-up person.
Absences
Please call or text the 24-hour attendance message line, 608-276-9898, if your camper will be absent. Please reach out before 8:30 a.m. if the message pertains to that day.
Camper Groups
Each camper will be assigned a group for the week. Groups will have no more than 18 campers.
- We will aim to keep your camper in the same group each week. Since some campers are only enrolled for a few weeks, some campers may change groups throughout the summer.
- Camper groups will be divided by age. If you have two or more campers that you would like to request remain in the same group, please contact our administrative office.
- Each camper will have a designated space to store their belongings. Campers should only bring essential items for the day.
Snack & Lunch
It’s important campers start each day with a good breakfast prior to camp, and bring a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
Sack lunches must not require refrigeration or microwaving; milk is provided. A morning and afternoon snack will be provided. Some campers have life-threatening allergies (like a peanut or tree nut allergy). For this reason, WYC requests that campers bring a nut-free lunch. All snacks served at camp are nut-free.
Field Trips & Guest Presenters
Details regarding field trips & Guest Presenters can be found on the This Week at Camp tab. Camp Bayside will typically take field trips or have a guest presenter on Thursday each week; however, this is subject to change. If a field trip is scheduled, campers should come prepared for the day with appropriate footwear, their camp t-shirt, and water bottle.
Swimming Trips
Details regarding swim trips can be found on the This Week at Camp tab. To review your camper’s swim level please contact your camp director or email info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. Campers will be grouped by swim level with no more than 8 campers per group. Camp Bayside will typically swim on Tuesday each week; however, this is subject to change. Camp will only visit local pools with lifeguards on duty and an option for zero-depth entry. Some weeks, camp will visit a splash pad instead of pool. Campers should come to camp prepared with a swimsuit, towel, and camp t-shirt. Extra t-shirts can be purchased for $12 by emailing info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Please review Wisconsin Youth Company’s swim guidelines to ensure accuracy. If your camper has been previously enrolled in a WYC camp program, their swim level may not match their current swimming skill. To help ensure a successful week of camp for your child and WYC staff, please update this information by emailing info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to the start of the camp week.
Spending Time Outdoors
Counselors will be encouraged to take their campers outdoors as much as possible. Campers will have water, sunscreen and shade available to them while outdoors. Please send your camper dressed for the outdoors, every day.
Parent Contact Information
It is important that Parents can easily be reached throughout the camp day. Please verify your contact information in your parent portal and contact the administrative office if changes need to be made.
In the event that camp staff contact you requesting that your camper be picked up for illness or other reasons, we ask that you do so immediately. If you are unable to pick up your camper immediately, please arrange for emergency pick-up individuals. These individuals must be listed as authorized pick-up persons on your account.
Changing Account Information
Written notification is required to make any changes to your account information (i.e. phone numbers, pick-up persons, emergency contacts, etc.). An email from the email address on-file is sufficient. Your account password is required to make changes.
Additional Program Information
Additional program related information can be found in the program handbook.
Contact Wisconsin Youth Company
Summer Program Director, Nate Peterson
npeterson@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Wisconsin Youth Company Administrative Office – Mailing Address
733 Struck St.- 45620
Madison, Wisconsin 53744
Phone: 608-276-9782 ext. 0
Fax: 262-547-0394
24-Hour Attendance Message Line (call or text): 608-276-9898
Email: info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Use the above address, fax, email and phone number for payments, registration and billing inquires, and other general information. You may also access your account online on the parent portal.
Q: Who can drop off and pick up campers?
A: Following Wisconsin Youth Company policy, campers may only be dropped off and picked up from camp by authorized pick-up person(s) listed on their registration.
Q: What happens if my child gets sick while at camp?
A: Each camp has a designated space available to use in the event that a camper gets sick. While in this space, they will remain supervised by staff. Staff will call for immediate pick-up. Please ensure that your camper is picked up as soon as possible.
Q: When will my camper receive their camp t-shirt and when do they need to wear it?
A: Campers will receive their t-shirt during their first week of camp. Campers should wear their t-shirts on all field and swim trip days.
Q: Can I pick up my child from a field or swim trip?
A: Pick-up from an off-site field or swim trip is an option when needed by families, although is not preferred. Please coordinate specific details with the camp director at your child’s camp location. Please note off-site pickup is not always an option. Field and swim trips are pre-determined and will not be altered to accommodate pick up or drop off for children.
Q: Do I need to provide sunscreen and insect repellent for my camper?
A: Wisconsin Youth Company provides sunscreen and insect repellent for all campers attending summer programs. WYC uses Rocky Mountain brand 30 SPF lotion sunscreen and Cutter DEET-free insect repellent. Families may provide their own sunscreen and/or insect repellent. Please contact our administrative office at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Dane county families and waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Waukesha families for additional details.
Q: How do I update my child’s swim level?
A: The easiest way to update your child’s swim level is to contact the administrative office at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Dane County families and waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Waukesha families. You can also fill out necessary paperwork at your child’s camp location, but due to the volume of changes and the workload of camp staff, it is preferred that you contact the administrative office. Please note changes are not immediate.
Q: What is the time frame I can drop off/pick up my child?
A: Children can be dropped off and picked up throughout the camp day. Generally, it is preferred that your child is dropped off between 7:30-9 a.m. and picked up between 4-5:30 p.m. (4-4:30 p.m. on Fridays). If you will be dropping off or picking up outside of those hours, please talk with the camp directors at your camp location.
Q: Is there transportation provided by WYC for campers from summer school locations?
A: WYC does not provide transportation to camp following summer school sessions. Site specific information regarding arriving to camp following summer school can be found on the Welcome tab for that camp location. All transportation must be arranged through your school district.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families, welcome to Camp Bayside! We are excited to begin summer and see old and new faces!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off (If closed, contact site cell)
- Sunscreen is provided daily!
- Bring medications to first day of camp
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | No swim trip this week. Reach out to the registration team at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change you child’s swim level for the week!
Field Trip | Walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, Thursday, 1-3 p.m.
*weather and interest dependent
Weekly Projects:
- Puffy paint
- Bow tie noodle butterflies
- Light saber popsicles
- Pony bead keychains
- Ninja stars
Weekly Activities:
- Kickball
- Lightning
- Four square
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards)
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
- Dress up: Hat day
- Obstacle course
- Scavenger hunt
- Egg race/toss
- S’mores mix
- Fruit salad
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Wow, week one flew by. We hope everyone got a feel for what Camp Bayside will have in store for the summer! We can’t wait to start swim trips and field trips/presenters next week!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site Cell Phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, June 18, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Presenter | Fired Up!, Thursday, June 20
- What to bring:
- Spare/old clothes in case of a messy project
Weekly Projects:
- Marbling with oil
- Stamp art
- Hand painting
- Rainbow spin art
- Clay
- Marble paper
- Mosaic art
- Sticker art
Weekly Activities:
- Blob tag
- Popcorn
- Clean your room
- Find someone who
- All tangled up
- Everyone’s it
- Bridge ball
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards)
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
- Tie dye
- Painted toast
- Stress balls/sensory bottles
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Welcome to Week 3 everyone! This week we will explore all things Wisconsin, and dive into activities we can do and find in our own backyards!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, June 25, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Field Trip | Tour Wisconsin State Capitol, Thursday, June 27, 12:30-3 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Shoes with a back strap (no flip flops or slides)
Weekly Projects:
- Dream backyards
- Bouquets
- Trivia
- Cranberry dough
Weekly Activities:
- Milk the cow
- Rainbow tag
- Mr. Fox
- Foursquare
- River bank
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
- Dress up: Flannel
- Cheese tasting
- Apple pie in a cup
- DIY sail boats
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | We are a month into summer vacation and have plans to cool down from the warm weather. Please prepare kiddos to get a bit wet everyday this week!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, July 2, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Weekly Projects:
- Watercolor resist art
- Clay
- Popsicle stick boats
- Chalk art
Weekly Activities:
- Water balloon toss
- Sponge toss
- Flag tag
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Wednesday Fest!
- Dress Up: Beach clothes
- DIY popsicles
- Water bead stress balls
- Frozen t-shirts challenge
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week we will travel the world and seeing what it all has to offer from animals to food to art. We hope to explore it all.
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, July 9, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Field Trip | Henry Vilas Zoo, Thursday, July 11, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Water bottle
- Small backpack
- Shoes with a back strap (no flip flops or slides)
Weekly Projects:
- Flags
- Postcards
- Passport
- Airplanes
- Cookie culture
- Finger paint
Weekly Activities:
- Duck duck goose
- Simon says
- Chalk
- Dodgeball
- Hula hoop
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
- Dress up: Zoo animal
- DIY pinatas
- Recipe book (bring a recipe to share)
- Taste test
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Come one, come all for games, food, animals, and more! This week will be filled with all of the above as we enjoy the County Fair and all it has to offer!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site Cell Phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Brauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, July 16, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Field Trip | Dane County Fair, Thursday, July 18, 12:30-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange t-shirt
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
- Tennis shoes or sandals with a strap
Projects:
- Jar Guess
- Homemade Butter
- Finger Pring Cows
- Cotton Candy Art
- Fork People
Activities:
- Can Knock Down
- Ping Pong Toss
- Balloon Popping
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon Card Day (bring cards/binders)
- Bernie’s Beach (Walking Trip) (1-3 p.m.)
Tuesday = Stuffie Day
Wednesday = Camp Water Day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest!
- Dress up as a Farmer
- Candy Apple Bowls
- Face Painting
- Shrinky Dinks
- Balloon Animals
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Week 7 is here and we are all for the magic and science we will be experimenting with this week. We hope there will be lots of learning and discovering this week.
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, July 23, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Presenter | Mr. Magic, Thursday, July 25, 2 p.m.
- No camp shirt needed
Weekly Projects:
- Moon rocks
- Marshmallow constellations
Weekly Activities:
- Asteroid toss
- Planet hunt
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Run, run as fast as you can! This week we will focus on being active and enjoying fun in the sun while breaking some of our own records!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, July 30, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Field Trip | McKee Farms Park, Thursday, August 1, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Water bottles
- Small bag
Weekly Projects:
- Olympic bracelets
- Olympic medals
- DIY frisbee
Weekly Activities:
- Minute to Win It games
- Water bottle flip
- Oreo challenge
- Balloon in air
- Cup stacking
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week will be filled with exploring the outdoors and all it has to offer. From plants and animals, land to water, we will follow different paths to immerse ourselves into nature.
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, August 6, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Presenter | Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Thursday, August 8, 12 p.m.
- No orange camp shirt is needed this day
Weekly Projects:
- Bird feeders
- Nature paint brushes
- Leaf prints
Weekly Activities:
- Nature walk
- Nature I spy
- Bubbles/chalk
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell
Friday = Friday Fest
- Nature dress up
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | It’s the final week of Camp Bayside! Summer has flown by and we hope to revisit all the fun we had over the previous weeks and enjoy them one last time before the summer ends!
Below are tips and tricks for campers and families to take into consideration when starting camp!
- Site cell phone: 608-445-8028
- Door #2 pick up/drop off
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Bring medications (if you have any)
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, August 13, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Reach out to registration at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to Tuesdays if you want to change your child’s swim level
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swim goggles
- Small bag
Field Trip | Discovery World, Monday, August 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Sack lunch
- Walking shoes with a backstrap (no flip flops or slides)
Field Trip | All Camp Extravaganza, Lakeview Park, Friday, August 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Sack lunch
- Walking shoes with a backstrap (no flip flops or slides)
Weekly Projects:
- Alka Seltzer rockets
- Fun with balloons
- Random creations
- Slime
Weekly Activities:
- 4 Square
- Kickball
- Zombie tag
Weekly Specials:
Monday = Pokémon card day (bring cards/binders); walking field trip to Bernie’s Beach, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday = Stuffie day
Wednesday = Camp water day (bring clothes to get wet)
Thursday = Show ‘N Tell & Thursday Fest
- Superhero/favorite costume
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